How to learn networking from zero: a realistic 90-day plan

Most beginners don't fail because networking is too hard. They fail because they try to learn everything at once: routing protocols on day three, firewalls on day five, and a certification book that feels like a phone directory. Here is a calmer plan that builds one layer at a time.

Days 1–30: the foundations

Your only goal this month is to understand how one device talks to another.

• Read the basics: what a network is, IP addresses, DNS and DHCP.
• On your own computer, run ipconfig /all (Windows) or ip a (Linux) and find your IP address, gateway and DNS server. Explain each one out loud.
• Learn the OSI model as a troubleshooting checklist, not as a list to memorise.

Days 31–60: addressing and switching

• Practise subnetting for 15 minutes a day. Use the subnetting practice until /24 to /30 feels automatic.
• Learn VLANs and trunks and build them in a free simulator such as Cisco Packet Tracer.
• Plan a small office with the VLSM planner: staff, guests, printers and CCTV on separate subnets.

Days 61–90: routing, security and troubleshooting

• Add static routes between two routers, then try a dynamic routing protocol.
• Read how firewalls decide and write a simple access list that allows only what is needed.
• Work through the challenges and the "no internet" playbook. Troubleshooting is where knowledge turns into skill.

How to know it's working

At the end of 90 days you should be able to draw a small network on paper, give every device an address, and explain what happens when a user types a website name and presses Enter. If you can teach that to a friend, you're ready for a certification course or a junior role.

Tip: Consistency beats intensity. Forty-five minutes every day is far better than six hours on a Sunday.